2009 EU manifesto

BECAUSE BETTER ANIMAL PROTECTION REQUIRES A EUROPEAN SOLUTION

Animals Count believes in a new kind of politics (a term we used before the media and incumbent MPs pretended to re-invent themselves) because the EU has reached its limits. Therefore we must take responsibility and set an example.

The sooner we demonstrate serious consideration for the most fundamental interests of animals, the more civilised our society will become. Animal abuse needs to end, and in the interim the very least animals deserve is appropriate husbandry and care.

Encouraging member states to take greater responsibility, and to exceed the minimum European standards, on animal protection issues.

Ensuring that the Treaty of Amsterdam (1997), that recognises animals as sentient (that is, feeling) beings, is properly implemented within European laws that respect and protect the interests of all animals.

Supporting improvements in animal care, continually raising standards to the point where animals are no longer regarded as property.

Tackling the serious, adverse consequences that the misuse of animals engenders for human health in Europe, for people in the developing world, for the economy, and the environment, as well as for the animals themselves.

Increasing transparent and democratic EU decision-making, in which public consultations and referenda play a greater role.